Real Fiction

An artist stoically paints portraits at a park. His customers abuse him and the local thugs bully him. Suddenly he snaps and goes off on a revenge rampage against all the souls that ever hurt him. A woman follows him around recording every second of the carnage. Kim Ki-duk's revenge "thriller" shot in real time lacks his trademark calmness and surrealism and turns out be one of his weakest offerings.

Rating: *

Address Unkown

Kim Ki-Duk in his introduction says he made this film to highlight the unhappiness of US soldiers stationed in South Korea. But I think this was just a toned down message for the American public and he meant to convey much more in the film.

The film revolves around three teens who have all be touched by the aftermath of the Korean conflict. Ki-Duk in his trademark fashion portrays that war not only causes physical harm to the people involved but sends mental shock waves to those on the periphery.

Rating: * * +

Shi gan

The latest Kim Ki-duk film is a rant against plastic surgery and its evil ways. Considering that we just met the greatest plastic surgeon this side of the pond, could appreciate what Kim was getting at. Its all evil and makes you evil. Absurd story of an absurd couple.

Rating: Absurdly, * *

Other Kim movies can be found here - 3-iron and Nabbeun Namja

3-Iron

This is what the director Kim Ki-duk had to say about the movie:

We are all empty houses
Waiting for someone
To open the lock and set us free.

One day, my wish comes true.
A man arrives like a ghost
And takes me away from my confinement.
And I follow, without doubts, without reserve,
Until I find my new destiny.

A silent man goes about breaking into homes (reminded me of this film because of that) when the owners are out vacationing or getting away from their abused spouses. In one such experience, he is prevented from moving on.

Its almost a silent movie; with the plot moving on stealthily. Definitely recommend this to KK.

Rating: * * +

Nabbeun namja

Ki-Duk Kim, the maker of "Spring, Summer, Fall, Winter... and Spring", directs this strange and sadistic tale. Like many South Korean films I have seen, this too was tightly made and well acted. The main protagonist / villain does not say much through out the movie. But then again he does not have to. His face and actions says it all.

Rating: * *
Note: This film also made this blog of mine ring true again :-)